Scrabo Tower
I was filming with the Blueprint team today at Scrabo Tower in Newtownards. 122 steps, in case you didn't know -- it's an architectural step-master. Apparently it's possible to see four counties, on a good day, from the top of the tower. It was built in 1857 as a memorial to Charles William Stewart, the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, with money partly raised from tenants living on the Marquess's estate.
Our team of Natalie, Colin, Barney and myself climbed to the roof platform to film a piece about Scrabo's famous Triassic sandstone. It's a beautiful setting, a landscape shaped by a succession of ice sheets that ground the bedrock for much of the last 1.5 million years.
We're back in the office now, at Broadcasting House, and we're about to meet Sir Michael Lyons and other memebrs of the Ö÷²¥´óÐã Trust, who are currently on a visit to Belfast.
Comments
Scrabo tower has a lot to live up to as a viewing point when you compare it to Snaefell the highest point on the Isle of Man, four counties on a good day from Scrabo against the six kingdoms that can be seen from Snaefell on a good day, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the Kingdom of Man not forgetting the Kingdom of Heaven.
1957?
on the 6th of March 1857 the foundation stone was laid.
I'd vote for 1857 too!
And btw nice words about Blueprint were spoken publicly afterwards. Made a good impression!
Triassic Sandstone. Sure what's the difference when it is only just over 4500 years old as so many would have you belive these days!
We are indeed blessed with amazing geology in this part of Ireland.